Tear Drop Camper Trailers
What Are Tear Drop Trailers?
Many of us like to think of the Tear Drop Trailer as a new fad. When in fact they were developed back in the 1930’s, then got even more popular in the 1940’s after WWII. As soon as the depression ended and the war had given the economy a large boost, citizens of the U.S.A wanted to get out, away from their everyday lives and be back in nature.
Back then, most everything was designed with the future in mind. So, a lot of things had a sleek aerodynamic look to them. Which is where the Tear Drop Trailer got its name. The tear drop is one of the most aerodynamic structural designs that nature has ever developed.
How They Came To Be
Supplies were limited back then and many of the trailers were constructed with materials left over from the WWII surplus market. Chassis were made of steel “U” channel or from steel tubing, wheels came from un-used jeeps, and the exterior shell were made from the aluminum wings of the WWII bombers.
Back then, highway systems were being developed which made traveling easier. With the lightweight design and construction of the Tear Drop trailer, most vehicles of the day could easily haul the Tear Drop Trailer around.
Their Rise and Fall
The trailers popularity grew in the 1950’s because of the “Do it Yourself” attitude. People would develop their own designs that suited their own personal needs and construct the trailers themselves. (This is also why they have become so popular today). However, later in the 1950’s, with the economy gaining strength and people traveling more, the “Bigger and Better” movement began, and larger stronger vehicles were being built, which meant bigger and better camper trailers could be hauled around the country easier. So, the Tear Drop Trailer started to dwindle away.
That is of course until recently. With the advent of Tiny Living and Eco-Living. The Tear Drop Trailer with its small footprint, cozy living, and closer to nature feeling is making a comeback. People are once again drawn to its’ sleek tear drop shape, compact size and lightweight. Making them easier for small vehicles to tow them. Of course, now they have a larger range of sizes and amenities to choose from. Their small size also makes them ideal for people who live in more urban areas and need to store them in their driveways, garages, or back yards.
Basic Style
The basic Tear Drop Trailer ranges in size from 4 to 6 feet wide; 8 to 10 feet long; and 4 to 5 feet in height. Averaging a weight of 4,000 pounds. Again, this is based off the original designs of the Tear Drop Trailer back in the 30’s and 40’s.
With the range of sizes Tear Drop Trailers come in, you can find some that are basically just an enclosed bed on wheels, to a tiny camper like trailer with a small kitchen and dining area, sleeping area, and bathroom within the enclosure.
True to its’ form back in the 1950’s Do-It-Yourself style, many of the Tear Drop Trailers are unique to their owners. Some prefer the smaller living space on the inside, with a pop-up like kitchen off the rear of the trailer. Some like to have all the amenities inside with an attached vestibule area just outside the trailer.
Overall the Tear Drop Trailers small footprint and design offer a unique way of providing the basic comforts, personalized style, and an Eco-friendly way to seeing the country.
Thank You For Reading About Tear Drop Trailers.